Joe Benson | Outfielder

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Braves signed OF Joe Benson to a minor league contract.

The 26-year-old outfielder hasn't seen time in the big leagues since he was a member of the Twins in 2011. He spent the 2014 campaign in the Marlins organization, slashing .259/.361/.403 with 10 homers, 62 RBI and 15 steals in 129 games between Double-A Jacksonville and Triple-A New Orleans. Jan 10 - 12:01 PM

The agreement includes an invitation to spring training. The 25-year-old hasn't been in the majors since a 21-game stint with the Twins in 2011. Benson was a top-100 prospect before 2011 and 2012 but has struggled to hit for average at the minor league level. He'll have a shot to win a bench job with the Marlins this spring. Wed, Jan 1, 2014 07:31:00 PM

Benson was designated for assignment on Sunday but has cleared waivers and will remain in the organization. He's batted just .205/.293/.394 with five homers at the Double-A level this season. Tue, Sep 3, 2013 10:03:00 PM

Rangers designated OF Joe Benson for assignment.

Benson was claimed off waivers from the Twins in late May, but has struggled at Double-A Frisco. Through 37 games, he hit .205/.293/.394 with five homers, 16 RBI and three stolen bases. He's still talented enough to where there should be another club willing to take a chance on him. Sun, Sep 1, 2013 01:03:00 PM

Melvin Upton has been diagnosed with sesamoiditis in his left foot and is expected to miss all of spring training.

Sesamoiditis is inflammation in the bone behind the ball of his foot. Upton will be in a cast for two weeks and a walking boot for 4-6 weeks after that. He won't be allowed to resume baseball activity until at least early April and is expected to be out until at least May 1. It's a tough break for a guy in desperate need of a bounce-back season after hitting just .198/.279/.314 in his first two seasons with the Braves. Eury Perez, Eric Young and Zoilo Almonte are options to fill in for Upton in center field.

Nick Markakis (neck) was cleared this week to run and work out extensively.

Markakis is now eight weeks removed from surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck. The veteran outfielder will miss the early spring training games, but there's no clear date for his debut. He remains hopeful of being ready for Opening Day, but it's no sure thing. Markakis signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Braves over the winter.